https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/20212022-review Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 11 Apr 2026 09:42:21 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/20212022-review#post-2299445 Mon, 02 Jan 2023 20:56:20 +0000 Anonymous 2299445@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I found sandal booties work well for those few (usually) March, April, November transitional days. Closed enough to pass with nude knee highs in the colder am, but not stuffy if the day hits 60 later on! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/20212022-review#post-2299441 Mon, 02 Jan 2023 20:52:08 +0000 Jules 2299441@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It’s very much a climate thing Sally - we have long, messy fall/winter seasons, a very short spring and a hot summer here in central Canada. So in order of usefulness it’s boots or at least very weather resistant shoes (think lug soled loafers, fleece lined leather converse) most of the year, followed by a short but real sandal season, and at a remote third, what we call ‘transitional’ footwear. I have learned to make more use of closed toe shoes in summer, but styles like dark or lug soled loafers don’t match the type of clothing that’s required in the heat, so summer appropriate closed toe shoes are almost a totally separate category vs what I might wear with socks on a dry but cold November day. I do wear sneakers a lot, but have the category well covered -even a year after my original post, and that being one rule I did follow, I’m still quite happily wearing out what I already owned! Definitely some over buying had occurred. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/20212022-review#post-2299434 Mon, 02 Jan 2023 20:41:51 +0000 Sally 2299434@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This was an interesting read.&nbsp; I have never thought about transitional shoes and didn't know they were a thing.&nbsp; some shoes are obviously summer like sandals and some winter like heavy boots but there is a lot of cross over with shoes in my opinion. I guess it might also depend on your climate.&nbsp; Interesting though.&nbsp; Like you I want to do more thoughtful shopping.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/20212022-review#post-2299423 Mon, 02 Jan 2023 20:15:53 +0000 unfrumped 2299423@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great review and plan!</p> <p>I’m interested in the transitional shoe problem, and loafers. Loafers used to be almost a signature item for me and I made them more multi season by wearing with black tights with pencil skirts at work. Plus whilst no comfy travel shoes for me, I could often wear a particular pair shopping, which was easy way to be a little more polished polished and convenient for the dressing room. But those days are no more! After culling over several years I still have 3 pairs and am inclined to keep for now. One problem is that I haven’t ever liked wearing them with summer skirts or dresses , so , pretty limited. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/20212022-review#post-2299411 Mon, 02 Jan 2023 19:24:49 +0000 Angie 2299411@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nice update, <b>Jules</b>! If Old Navy works - milk it - glad you found fab bottoms. I believe a great Aritzia dress too!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/20212022-review#post-2299409 Mon, 02 Jan 2023 19:12:24 +0000 Roberta 2299409@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The transitional shoe ban rings a bell with me, too, except not for sneakers (which I live in), but styles like mules and loafers. There are maybe ten days a year that I can wear these, so they mostly take up space while looking pretty. </p> <p>Do you shop at Roots? I am American, but my son and I had a very fun shopping spree at the Roots in Toronto when we visited some years ago. The Gap meets Eddie Bauer, IMO. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/20212022-review#post-2299407 Mon, 02 Jan 2023 18:57:26 +0000 Jules 2299407@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, totally agreed - I acquired I believe 3 pairs of jeans and 3 pairs of twill pants from ON this year - all are great pants, well-fitting in on-trend cuts and colours I happen to love. I also returned their cord and velvet options as too shiny, skinny, brightly coloured, etc - but got 3 pairs of those from the Gap. So I feel I do have some discretion and am not just blinded by the price and convenience of it all </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/20212022-review#post-2299405 Mon, 02 Jan 2023 18:46:18 +0000 Suz 2299405@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really like your update, <b>Jules </b>-- super helpful and realistic. I think as much as setting goals is important, we also have to adjust to evolving situations and sometimes it is only in retrospect that we realize our goals were not suited to our situation!&nbsp;</p> <p>I can't stop with the BR/ Gap/ ON orders, either -- they're just an excellent source of casual denim and other pants and sometimes other essentials. AND there are free returns. I lucked out with denim from ON this year, of all places, and I can't regret it.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/20212022-review#post-2299396 Mon, 02 Jan 2023 17:43:17 +0000 Anonymous 2299396@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love your goals! Big yay to shopping local and trying on in store as much as possible.<br /> I need to follow your lead with the list instead of the impulse purchases. It's easy to get derailed! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/20212022-review#post-2299392 Mon, 02 Jan 2023 17:34:51 +0000 Jules 2299392@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Adding on to this rather than creating a new 2022 review post… in the interest of brevity and keeping myself honest ;)</p> <p>Was it a LOW shop year? Decidedly NOT - as many have mentioned, the new proportions hit critical adoption phase for me, combined with a return to the office, PLUS my colours and various preferred pants cuts being readily available - 2022 was a BIG shopping year for me!</p> <p>- was it a THOUGHTFUL shop year? Yes! I bought many good quality, Canadian made items; the few impulse buys were of vintage/local maker items in store; and I bought my first-ever intentional, well-considered capsule for fall/winter back to the office.</p> <p>- did I stop ordering from the various Gap brands? Definitely NOT! But I realized early on that they are my standby for denim/casual pants, which are the mainstays of my wardrobe. I have no local, Canadian or other alternative, really. They carry my size - and have models my size showing it online! The quality is known and fine for my standards (more expensive, better made pants would need to be an impeccable fit and ideal fabric to justify the x3 price jump. The one pair I did order didn’t meet the criteria). They did shorten their return window and I got burned by that once, but dropped the BNWT items off at a local shelter which only accepts such. I have no regrets.</p> <p>What’s ahead for 2023? Well, having shopped successfully from my list last year, plus so many additional unplanned but good-to-great items, I think this may be it… the no-buy year! Let’s see how that plays out </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/20212022-review#post-2246902 Fri, 07 Jan 2022 14:38:24 +0000 Irina 2246902@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jules, your goals are my goals as well Hope we will achieve them.<br />And I like your rules - I also stopped buying from BR/Gap.<br />please, share your info on the Canadian brands! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/20212022-review#post-2246878 Fri, 07 Jan 2022 04:34:13 +0000 Carla 2246878@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is really well thought out, Jules. &nbsp;I’m interested in Canadian brands as well - for the same reasons listed by Suz. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/20212022-review#post-2246876 Fri, 07 Jan 2022 04:27:15 +0000 Suz 2246876@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you, <b>Jules</b> -- that would be superb! I have been off all social media for the most part for almost 6 months so haven't really been getting the ads.&nbsp; I know there are some great brands out there that I just don't see and would love to support. And I'm sure others have suggestions as well.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/20212022-review#post-2246875 Fri, 07 Jan 2022 02:42:05 +0000 Jules 2246875@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks everyone!<br /> Suz, if you’re also interested, I think I might actually start a ‘list Canadian brands’ post, but maybe in a week or so (just want a little break from thinking about buying). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/20212022-review#post-2246866 Fri, 07 Jan 2022 02:16:34 +0000 Jaime 2246866@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great reflections. I especially appreciated your "bad" list - these are two mistakes that really are worth correcting for me too (well less so return window, but it does sometimes apply). And buying from some of the great Canadian brands is an excellent plan! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/20212022-review#post-2246864 Fri, 07 Jan 2022 01:43:22 +0000 Bijou 2246864@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jules, well I loved this! Your "the Bad" mistakes are ones I am sure most of us have made too this year and it is good to be mindful of these pitfalls. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/20212022-review#post-2246853 Thu, 06 Jan 2022 23:32:02 +0000 Suz 2246853@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This sounds like a solid plan, <b>Jules</b>. How well I know the relative lack of need for transitional shoes in your climate. After a certain point, it's all waste, esp. if not going to an office. And I'm thrilled that you have found some local companies to order from! Will you please share the names of some you have been canvassing? This is an (so far unwritten) goal of mine. I always seem to fall back on the same old box store brands and would like to switch that up both from the point of view of wanting to support smaller, more local businesses and also from the point of view of trying to deal with fashion boredom.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/20212022-review#post-2246852 Thu, 06 Jan 2022 23:13:28 +0000 rachylou 2246852@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Cuts to the quick, I say </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/20212022-review#post-2246841 Thu, 06 Jan 2022 21:57:44 +0000 Angie 2246841@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>WELL DONE</p> <p>Great analysis <b>Jules</b>, and what <b>Helena</b> said!&nbsp;</p> <p>I love personal "NOT ALLOWED TO DO, OR BUY" lists. They really work! And good job not forgetting to have fun with fashion too :)</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/20212022-review#post-2246837 Thu, 06 Jan 2022 21:20:28 +0000 Helena 2246837@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well done Jules and yay for trying some Canadian brands! A sound plan and I think a thoughtful shop year is a more nuanced and sustainable idea than a no shop one! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/20212022-review#post-2246830 Thu, 06 Jan 2022 20:09:13 +0000 Cardiff girl 2246830@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well done for writing this and thinking about where your wardrobe goes from here.l a, not sure that l can for formulate &nbsp;a plan yet as too many unknowns re covid where l live but l like reading about everyone else’s.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/20212022-review#post-2246822 Thu, 06 Jan 2022 19:22:12 +0000 slim cat 2246822@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Looks like a solid plan for 2022 and analysis of the 2021. I"m still figuring out mine . Hopefully more good finds and smart shopping for all of us this year. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/20212022-review#post-2246810 Thu, 06 Jan 2022 18:01:54 +0000 Jules 2246810@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When I first contemplated writing something up I thought there wasn't much point since I (thought I) didn't buy "much" last year and was thinking of doing a No Buy year for 2022 - but once I started the introspection, I started making some connections and realized the value of a little bit of analysis in setting my 2022 goals. Which upon writing it out seems like pretty basic stuff This won't be the most interesting post for others to read, so thanks again for bearing with me while I work out my ideas here. Best of luck to all of us on our 2022 goals!</p> <p>The Bad: I didn't shop a ton last year (very subjective assessment...), but still managed to make some clear mistakes due to certain patterns which I hope to avoid this year:<br /> - missing the return window for some online orders<br /> - hoping something will somehow magically fit better in the future</p> <p>The OK:<br /> - some impulse purchases online due to IG ads or store mailing lists - a Coach purse, a pretty summer kimono wrap, NB sneakers - these items are nice but unnecessary duplications which realistically I just didn't have need or space for. I need to slow down on "collecting" pretty items I don't actually need. </p> <p>The Good:<br /> - I would say my most successful purchases were due to an outfit I workshopped here on ylf: <br />  <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anatomy-of-an-inspo-shot">https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....inspo-shot</a><br /> - I finally "bit the bullet" on my interest in sustainable/Canadian-made and ordered some items from Canadian brands of interest Wear Franc and Power of My People. Although none of the items were right for me, I found the shipping and returns costs and processes more than reasonable. I also learned that items do go out of stock (particularly in trendy colours) so it doesn't really pay to take my time ordering. The overall lesson is that there is no good reason for me to keep buying online from The Gap, etc, instead of trying these brands.</p> <p>Looking at my 2021 experience, rather than doing a blanket No Buy or generic "less shopping" goal, I've realized it's probably more realistic and helpful to develop a shopping list and some guidelines.</p> <p>Goals:<br /> Low shop year<br /> Thoughtful shop year<br /> Focus on quality and fit</p> <p>Avoid impulse shopping<br /> Shop from my list</p> <p>Guidelines to keep having fun while supporting my goals:<br /> Check out local businesses on foot &amp; try things on in store<br /> Continue to check out and follow small Canadian made and sustainable brands online<br /> Spend the local store gift certificate I already have</p> <p>If feeling the urge to buy something from an ad, shop from my list instead. Eg: indulge in the pretty Dora Nola scarf I don't need, vs. impulse buying the cute sneakers or random bag on sale that I also don't need.</p> <p> <br /> Rules:<br /> No curbside pickup from local business without trying on (it's about fit!)<br /> No online orders from Old Navy/The Gap/BR<br /> No more transitional shoes including sneakers<br /> No more summer kimono/wrap type garments<br /> No more bags other than the summer tote on my list</p> <p><b></b> </p>